HOME COOKED MEAL

QUICK NOTES: actually I am really not sure if should make their relationship only a brotherly one or grow to something more because it might give of a different meaning at the end of this story. So please…any suggestions? Should I just retain brotherly bond or make them developed into something more?

The weather was cold and Recca swore. He underestimated the power of the early morning breeze he deliberately left his jacket at home. If it gets any colder that this, he was sure that his fingers would crack off he thought. The young flame caster contemplated on going home but he was already half way to school and he did not want his friends to wait up for him again. Cursing himself yet again, he vigorously rubbed his fingers together in attempt to gain some amount of heat. If only he could summon his flames in public.

"Here. You will freeze yourself to death." Startled by the familiar voice, Recca turned to its source. Right in front of him was Kurei wearing a long overcoat shielding his neatly pressed dress shirt from the snow. He was holding out a gray wool made scarf, offering it to his brother.

"What are you doing here?" Kurei shrugged and pushed the offered material to his younger sibling. "Chief's wife has a Sake business up south. She gave us a few. I thought perhaps your father will like this." He then took out the paper bag containing the bottle. The teen could not help but smile. Kurei was now more open that before, well at least to him anyway.

…………………

He did not know what to expect when he finally decided to knock on the door. To put it simply… He did not like the fact that he was in a police station that probably has the name of his foster father written in the to most wanted list. Kurei seethed as he recalled his idiot of a brother excitedly pushed and set an appointment for him. Former archenemy or not Kurei was not one to break an agreement so easily a trait that he and his brother probably inherited.

"Come in."

He inhaled and exhaled deeply to calm his nerves before he entered. A man in his forties greeted him. Somehow, he could see the resemblance between him and Tsukino but of course, his features were more rugged and sharp. He did though appear to be a calm and relaxed person as he leaned more into his chair.

"Have a seat." He offered. Kurei did as he was told. There was a long silence then " I understand about your situation. I don't like long chit chats so I only want to hear a yes or no. Do you want to work for me? I assume you already know what I do. I assure you that you won't be held against your previous occupation." Asato looked at Tsukino's adopted son as the other stared down in silence.

"It would be good sir but you see your work includes getting as close to Kouran as possible I however intend to stay as far away from him as I can."

"Sometimes the safest place is the closest place you can get with the enemy. Wouldn't it be better to stop him now then be caught later? Besides, you have one advantage now. You have people who would protect you. You're not alone anymore so think about it."

…and he did.

………….

He did not want to impose on Recca's father any longer so he decided to use the money his mother left him to rent a studio apartment near the station despite the old man saying that it was okay.

Kurei now was trying to get used to with his new life. He work around eight to six from Monday to Saturday and when he finished his work early, he spends dinner with the Hanabishi's. During Sunday afternoons, Yoshino invites him and Recca for tea. She would tell the younger stories about Kurei when he and Tsukino visits her when he was younger much to the younger man's delight and the other's annoyance. She would tell stories like Kurei was made to dance waltz with old women and how his cheeks would get pinched ever so often by them. Recca would laugh but his brother would just scowl and would make a huge effort to change the subject. It was a life that Kurei thought to be alright.

November winds are harsh and Recca wouldn't be surprised if it started snowing soon. Recca tied the scarf around his neck and somehow it did feel warmer or maybe it was his red face caused by Kurei adjusting the scarf. "You should go back and get your jacket." The older one suggested.

"Nah. My winter uniform will hold." He waves at his brother and ran for school.

………………………………………..

Yanagi was patiently waiting for Recca outside the school gates Fuuko was waiting beside her and when there is Fuuko the ever present Domon was there as well. " If you like you guys can go ahead." The healer suggested. "No way!" the wind user exclaims. "Recca has been acting weird for the past weeks and I intend to get to the bottom of this."

Within five minutes, the said person arrived. He bowed in front of his Princess and asked for an apology. " It's alright. I just got a little worried that's all." The gentle girl assured. The other however wasn't so forgiving. Fuuko went in front of Yanagi and stomped her foot to gain attention.

"What the hell is wrong with you Recca?"

"What are you talking about?" Fuuko seethed at the flame caster's confused face. "Where have you been this pat weeks." She inquired.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't bull with me Hanabishi! We barely see your sorry ass and we want to know why!" Recca did not reply, instead he stared right at the concrete floor.

"What are you hiding." The girl observed that Recca stiffened at this.

"What are you hiding huh? And even from your princess? By god do you have another woman?" Yanagi gasped aloud. Domon by that time was a little apprehensive. Fuuko got carried away with her taunts and Recca didn't take these things that involved his princess lightly. Recca would surely be making the other sorry. Domon prepared himself to defend the Fuujin user if the other decided to attack. Recca is quick and very tricky he just hope he would be able to catch up. His body ready to anticipate the flame caster's move. But what he did not expect to see Recca moved up slowly from his kneeling position. An eerie grace to it made the hair at the back of his neck stand, his eyes that were staring at the floor a while a go was suddenly directed at Fuuko. It was intense but full of mockery. With this he spoke "What I do in my personal time is none of your concern now is it? You are attracting quite a crowd Fuuko. Next time please be sure to control your temper." With those words said Recca strode pass them but not before acknowledging Yanagi with a calm "hime."

Yanagi watched with shaking knees as she saw her protector enter the school building.

"What's wrong" Domon asked.

"The expression on his face. I have seen it somewhere before…" just then a flash of scarred purple eyes went into her mind and she trembled.

Kurei passed by the busy halls of the west wing. He was greeted by a couple of women as he walked by and he only nodded in return. He arrived at the INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT SECTION right on time. Eight o'clock AM.

A newly recruited rookie was already there arranging his stuff he needed for the day. "Takehiko-san." He greeted and Kurei again nodded his reply. Asato Takehiko advised him to change his name. Kurei now goes by the name Takehiko, Hitori. The older detective suggested using his last name since it was easier to create the necessary papers when he introduced Kurei as his nephew.

"The chief doesn't arrive till nine."

"You are quite early as well." The rookie scratched his head in mild embarrassment.

"Yeah, well I was late last time and I wanted to make up for it."

"I see." The rookie grinned. "You know I find you cool." Kurei raised an eyebrow at this a habit that Recca labeled as a sign for a sarcastic 'Oh-really-now' gesture. "You were a newbie like me a month ago and look! You solved 2 C Class Cases and 1 B Class and now being assigned a drug trafficking one which is considered somewhat an almost A class one due to it's information. I don't know ho you do it but it feels like you understand what is going inside the criminal's head.

"You might say that." The rookie looked at him in mild confusion. There conversation ended when the usual morning shift arrived.

…………………………………………………………………………………

Recca gave the aura of I'm-not-in-the-mood-so-stay-away all day. Even his teachers let him be. He's looks were literally ready for kill. He could not explain why he reacted that way. Sure Fuuko had gone overboard before but then he did realize they did have a reason to get worried.

Can he trust them with his brother's life? He repeated this question inside his head the whole day. He was afraid to take that chance. As for his princess, Recca hated to admit it but he was actually putting Yanagi second over his brother. Yanagi the woman he swore to follow and protect and yet what he did that morning…and yet when he thought about it again it was somehow not that important for Recca anymore and that unnerved him. He was already sure where his brother stood in his life but where does Yanagi lie? Could he even considered the girl his girlfriend? They didn't confirm it yet. Moreover, when did he start calling her Yanagi?

Recca managed to avoid the others although Fuuko was a little more persistent. He was ucky enough to avoid her in school but he was sure that either one of the two girls would call him home or he did not want to deal with that.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Six pm and the pale brunette was still at his desk reviewing a drug trafficking case. "Working hard again nephew?" the chief started.

"I might be able to close this case by Friday so I'm working over time." The man nodded. "But won't your little brother get worried? I swear that sometimes he acts more like your wife that a kid brother." the elder laughed. "I called and told them I cannot drop by for dinner."

"Ah so you're having take-out tonight huh? That Sucks. I had my share of that and I almost became cholesterol tubby if not for my wife nagging me about my weight. And nothing beats home cooking." Kurei would definitely agree to that. Kagero and Recca's meal were not world class but it really did taste good and it did have a homey flavor to it. He could not tell who cooked better but he often preferred his brother's cooking. Probably because he trusts him more than the shadow lady.

"Well I got to go. My wife will kill me if I'm late for dinner." he picked up the suitcase and waves at Kurei. "Don't stress yourself up kid." And he left.

Kurei barely noticed when the clocked strike seven. Had time really moved that fast? It was not late but he did feel a little hungry. Kurei prepared to arrange his files before leaving to buy some take out when he noticed someone through the lobby window.

"Oi" he called out. Sure enough a raven haired teen peeked with a sheepish grin.

"Hey." Recca waved at him. "It is late. Have you no idea what time is it? You should be home." It was amazing how brotherly instinct easily kick into action. "Yeah well you should be home by now too." Kurei gave him a don't-change-the subject-look. Recca let himself in and sat down on an empty seat.

"I was planning to wait for you so we could go home together and when it was getting late I decided to go look for you. But you looked so busy over there so I waited for you to finish."

"I called your father. I told him I won't be joining dinner."

"Oh." The other fidgets.

"Go Home Recca. You have school tomorrow." Kurei then took noticed of Recca's stiff posture.

"What is it?"

"Niisan…" The elder's eyes narrowed. Now he knows Recca wanted something from him. He waited patiently for the other to continue. "Can I stay at your place tonight?" That was certainly unexpected. Ever since he got his own place, Recca never asked if he could impose in his brother's home. "I sincerely hope you did not pull a prank on your father and you are trying to find a place to hide till he can cool of his steam." The younger shook his head in reply. "Well if that had happed your father would demand your whereabouts from me right away." He sighed. "I have notice that every time you are in trouble you come running to me…" although he could not object he owed his brother a lot.

Recca blushed. It was true though. Every time he made mistakes or caused trouble, he would come running for help from Kurei. When he was late for school because he played video games all night he asked his brother to make u an excuse. When he got a bad grade on a test, he would ask Kurei to sign for him. Sometimes if Kurei has time and Recca was willing he would bug his niisan to tutor him and he somehow always got what Kurei taught him better that the teachers.

His father would blow up steam every time he found out even then Kurei would be right beside him in his mishaps. Kagero would just giggle in a corner and would whisper to herself that "They really are brothers"

Sighing to himself Kurei started packing his belongings and placing the files into a file case. He places them all in a sling document bag. This caught Recca's attention. "Niisan what are you doing?"

"Is in not obvious otouto? I'm packing up for the night." He never turned his attention to the other never missing a pace as he continued his task.

"Are you done?" The other inquires.

"No, but like I said you have school tomorrow and it would be hell to wake you up." Gathering his coat, he motions for his brother to follow and together they walked through the busy night shift corridors of the station.

" Have you eaten yet?" It was said monotonously but this was Kurei and he was not known to bring emotions with his voice. Recca shook his head. "I did not have the time to pick up groceries so I guess we should order take out."

"Really niisan" Recca sighed and a visible breath was seen due to the cold air. "I thought you said you could take care of yourself? Have you been eating take-outs since you moved out? That's not right we should go to the store right now. There is a 24-hour grocery five blocks from your apartment right? Let's go there now! I'll cook you something nice." With that said he proceeded to drag the taller one to the grocery. He did not protest, instead his mind was recalling what the chief said about his little brother. "…I swear that sometimes he acts more like your wife that a kid brother." Guess he is going to get his home cooked meal after all.

……………………….

Shopping for groceries was a snap when Recca is the one buying them. He seems to know where everything is at grabs them without a second glance. The manager appears to know him since he isn't fazed with Recca throwing the items at Kurei in an above normal speed and accuracy which the other caught easily.

"There all done!" waling along the sidewalk both carried two paper bags full of groceries. "Wow is it that late?" Recca exclaimed as he saw the clock in the middle of the park and then grins at his older brother.

" I know." without warning the teen jumps on a residence wall. "Recca! What are you doing get down this instant. What if someone sees?" Kurei barely managed to keep his tone down. "What? It's the fastest way. Besides people in this neighborhood is used to seeing me doing this. THEY KNOW I'M A NINJA."

Could his younger brother be any more idiotic that this. He grumbled.

"What's the matter niisan loosing your touch? Can't even jump on roofs anymore? That desk jobs really getting to yah." That was it! Uncultured or not, when Recca insults his skills there was hell to pay. Ina blink of an eye Kurei high jumped across the wall and landed on a roof. He made no gesture for Recca to catch up as he jumped from one roof to another heading for home. The only indication that Recca followed is the "Wait niisan" and the occasional laugh his brother made.

……………………………………

They arrived at the front door around eight, surprised that they were able to salvage the groceries considering their neck breaking speed and death deifying jumps. Kurei fished for his keys inside his pocket and opened the door. They entered the apartment with Recca saying a barely audible "tadaima." Which was silly really considering it was to soft for anyone in the apartment to hear and since there was no one home before they entered. Out of habit maybe?

They placed the grocery on the kitchen island and Recca took a good view of his surroundings. The apartment was small. It was quite a surprise for the younger. He thought that Kurei would decorate his pad with reds and velvets like his room in Kouran's mansion but he was dead wrong. It consisted of white ceilings light page walls and light wood floors. It never struck Recca that Kurei was a modern minimalist type. Everything was there in that one single room. Duh that is why it's a studio. There was a neat white desk complete with a computer and a filing cabinet the same side as the front door not ignoring the corkboard full of notes. The kitchen where he stood was simple with light wood cupboards and a black tiled surface containing a stainless sink and a stove, a mini rice cooker and a microwave. The fridge is placed in the end. The utensils are probably kept under the cupboards. Parallel to the door are the bathroom and a laundry room. The third one was probably the walk-in closet. Opposite side of the kitchen was where two windows are placed there where hanging bookshelves in the middle and below that was the bed…wait the bed! Staring at the seemingly innocent looking modern double sized bed he scanned the room for another sleeping place or a couch even there was none.

"…rice…Are you listening?"

"Huh" the younger asked in bewilderment.

"I said go place you clothes in the laundry so you can use them for school tomorrow. You can borrow clothes. I'll prepare the rice." Recca nodded and did as he was told still confused as to why sleeping on the same bed worried him so much.

After Recca prepared the meals which was Curry rice Kurei realize why he liked his brother's cooking. Recca somehow knows what kind of meals he liked to eat. The amount of spice in it was always right. They ate in silence and washed their dishes after the meal. "Already passed ten! Take a bath and get ready for bed. I"

"You?" the younger asked.

"I'll follow I just need to finish these." Recca nods and did as he was told.

After the bath Recca was hesitant on the bed part until his brother threw a pillow at him and said "BED NOW!" in a harsh tone that made no room for arguments. Lying down the surprisingly comfy bed Recca stares at his brother sorting out files. "Aren't you going to ask me why I'm here?" Kurei stares at him for a moments but went back to his task right away. "This morning my friends started asking questions I didn't like to answer and I sort of got mad at them. It's not like I want to keep something from them it's just that…" Recca squeezes the pillow for comfort.

"Enough. I get it. You have no need to explain. I will not tell you again to go to sleep." The statement was final and Recca could not argue so he snuggled himself inside the covers and fell into uneasy sleep.

Kurei stared at Recca sleeping under the covers. Deciding he could not get any work done thinking about his brother's predicament, he took a shower and changed his clothes. He knew from the start that he will cause a drastic change in Recca's life and he did not like what it was doing to the teen. He got another chance but he did not think it was worth over his brother's life. He sat on the edge of the bed and noticed the windows fogging a little he again turned his attention to Recca who was shivering lightly. With a sigh he tucked his brother in and laid down the opposite side. As if sensing the heat source Recca instinctively snuggled closer to Kurei. The elder felt his younger brother relaxed as if everything would be safe now inside his brother's arms.

The body was not uncomfortable it was warm and relaxing and he smelled nice too like spicy summer sun with that he also fell into a peaceful sleep.

TBC

HAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

That was long actually I was suppose to end it in the going home part but then I thought hey it's x-mas so why not share. I already written it down.

Not betad so sorry for grammar mistakes ok I tend to edit them when I already have the plot rolling also.

You guys better enjoy their brotherly bond…co'z hehe….let's just say….

"I think it's better if I cut myself from you family for a while" Dark autum leaves were falling contrast to the pale mans skin.

Hohohohohohoho….

Eli!

I'm so sorry! I don't even have time to place a not co'z my job was draining the life out of me anyhow thank you for still reading and I really intend to finish it. I have to I already tried writing the last part which is weird co'z I have no idea what to inbetween. Hehe

Thank you for reading. Please help me write better!